Mega Evolution is returning to thePokémon Trading Card Gamelater this year, as confirmed during 2025’s Pokémon Presents. With the pending release ofPokémon Legends: Z - Aand the return of Mega Evolution, it was widely assumed that thePokémon TCGwould also bring back Mega Evolution in some way. However, some major questions remained about how thePokémon TCGwould implement the mechanic, as the game has moved away from powerful Pokémon EX cards that utilized the Mega Evolution gimmick as a sort of evolution replacement.
Today, thePokémon TCGconfirmed the return of Mega Evolution in a future 2025 set, with new Pokémon ex cards. As explained in the video description of theThe Official Pokemon YouTube Channel’s trailer:
“The Pokémon Company International unveiled the beginning of the upcoming Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution Series. Mega Evolution Pokémon last appeared in the Pokémon TCG in the XY Series and Sun & Moon Series, but these Mega Evolution Pokémon are packing exciting and unique strengths all their own.”
While Mega Evolution was previously tied to Pokémon EX cards, which could be played as Basic Pokémon, these new Mega Evolved Pokémon are Pokémon ex cards and are tied to the normal evolution. Basically, if a player is using a Mega Lucario ex,they can evolve it directly from a Riolu instead of needing to play it on top of a Lucario ex.No further details were announced about the set’s release, but givenPokémon Legends: Z - A’s"late 2025" release window,Mega Evolution cards will likely appear in a set released around the same time.
How Mega Evolution Will Rock The Pokémon TCG
This Is Not The Previous Mega Evolution Gimmick
While Pokémon EX and Pokémon ex cards sound like they might be similar, they are fundamentally different in terms of thePokémon TCG. Pokémon EX cards are Basic Pokémon cards that can be played straight onto the board, whilePokémon ex cards follow the standard Evolution sequence within thePokémon TCG.For instance, Lucario is aStage 1 Pokémon in thePokémon TCG. Lucario EX can be played as a Basic Pokémon without needing Riolu, but Lucario ex needs Riolu on the board to be put into play.
Pokémon Legends Z - A’s Release Window, Story Details & Battles Revealed In New Trailer
New details about Pokémon Legends: Z-A have been revealed, including official reveal of the starters, a new battle mechanic, and much more.
Because Mega Lucario ex andother Mega Evolved Pokémonare replacements for their non-Mega Evolved forms, they have to follow the evolution sequence inPokémon TCG. However,this also means that it can be much more powerful than an M Pokémon EX card,as there are additional steps to follow. Mega Lucario ex has 340 HP, which is higher than Lucario ex’s HP. It also has significantly more powerful attacks than both other variants, but still costs only 2 Prizes when knocked out. These are little changes, but should have interesting consequences in thePokémon TCG.
Our Take: A Real Game Changer For Pokémon TCG
One To Look Forward To
Based on a cursory look at two of the Mega Evolved Pokémon ex cards, there’s a lot of design room for the new card gimmick. While Mega Lucario ex seems a bit underpowered on its own, it’s still a straight upgrade over Lucario ex. Meanwhile,Mega Gardevoir ex could see some play in conjunction with Gardevoir ex,giving it the ability to hit for a ton of damage.
There’s going to be some very powerful card combos coming into thePokémon TCG, and I’m sure more surprises are on the way.
